Unions meet with resistance as recognition deals rise

Union
recognition is rising across the UK, but new deals are getting tougher as the
agreements with the more receptive employers have been made, according to a new
report.

The
TUC’s annual survey of recognition says that unions are now dealing with more
resistant and obstructive employers.

According
to the Trade Union Trends report Focus on Recognition, there were more than 300
recognition deals last year, almost twice the number covered in the 2000 report
(159), which included deals reached before recognition laws came into force.

Well-known
companies and organisations with new recognition deals in this year’s report –
which covers the 12 months up to October 2002 – include American Airlines,
Boots, Meridian TV, Church of Scotland, Kwik-Fit, Greenpeace and Air New
Zealand.

Brendan
Barber, TUC general secretary elect, said: "Once again, this report shows
the dire warnings that recognition rights would lead to difficulties were
wrong. The vast majority of new deals are coming about through voluntary
agreement, and the deals are increasingly covering more than the basics of pay
and conditions, covering issues such as pensions and training."